Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New Defence Attache position in Saudi Arabia
Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Defence
13 June 2006
Media statement
New Defence Attaché position in Saudi Arabia
Defence Minister Phil Goff announced today the establishment of a new Defence Attaché position in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role of a Defence Attaché is to provide liaison between New Zealand defence interests and those of the nation in which they reside.
Brigadier Neville Reilly will take up the position in July. Brigadier Reilly is a highly experienced and distinguished member of the New Zealand Defence Force and former Defence Attaché in Jakarta.
“In recent years, New Zealand has increased its commitments to peace support operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.
"We currently have around 160 New Zealand Defence Force personnel in the region with substantial commitments to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai and the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation based in Syria, Israel and Lebanon.
"We also have personnel working within the United Nations Missions in Afghanistan and Iraq”. Mr Goff said.
The appointment of a resident Defence Attaché will allow better representation of New Zealand’s long-term defence and security interests in this strategically critical part of the world. Brigadier Reilly will eventually be cross-accredited to a number of other Middle Eastern nations.
“New Zealand stands to gain enhanced insight and operational efficiencies in the area, and the position will add value to New Zealand’s bilateral relationships with our key Middle Eastern partners”.
The Defence Attaché will support New Zealand troops operating in the region and will help build Defence and security relations with Middle Eastern nations and other militaries operating in the region.
New Zealand now has 17 Defence Attachés cross-accredited to over 32 countries. The majority of the Attaches are based in Asia and the Pacific but New Zealand is also represented in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and at the United Nations. The most recent addition was the posting of an Attaché to Japan in April 2005.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: Gordon Campbell On The Folly Of Making Apologies In A Social Vacuum.
Forest And Bird: Modernisation Of Conservation System Must Focus On Improving Conservation
NZCTU: Uniformed Defence Force Should Not Be Used As Strike Breakers
MetService: Damp Start To Canterbury Anniversary Weekend; Wet Start For Coldplay Fans In Auckland
RNZ: Senior Lawyers Call For Treaty Principles Bill To Be Abandoned
Lobby for Good: Small Business Owners, MPs Rally Together To Demand Transparency In Tauranga Marine Precinct Sale
VisAble: National Apology Marks Important Step For Disabled Community, But True Change Requires Lasting Action
